Greta Gerwig.Photo:Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Warner Bros.
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Warner Bros.
TheCannes Film Festivalrevealed Thursday morning thatBarbiedirectorGreta Gerwigwill serve as the head of its upcoming festival jury.
In a post on thefestival’s website, organizers congratulated Gerwig, 40, on “a year in which she beat every record with her filmBarbie.”
“I love films,” Gerwig said in a statement. “I love making them, I love going to them, I love talking about them. As a cinephile, Cannes has always been the pinnacle of what the universal language of movies can be.”
“Being in the place of vulnerability, in a dark theater filled with strangers, watching a brand-new film is my favorite place to be. I am stunned and thrilled and humbled to be serving as the president of the Cannes Film Festival Jury. I cannot wait to see what journeys are in store for all of us.”
Greta Gerwig.Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
According to the festival archives, Gerwig’s choice also marks festival history with several firsts. She will become the first female American director to head the jury. She will also be the youngest president since 31-year-old Sophia Loren in 1966. She is only the 12th woman to head the panel (French actress Jeanne Moreau scored the honor twice).
Gerwig is also just the second female director since the festival began in 1946 to be named and the second American woman. Oscar winner Olivia de Havilland was the first female to serve as President in 1965.
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Greta Gerwig on Oct. 8, 2023.Joe Maher/Getty Images
Joe Maher/Getty Images
“This is an obvious choice," said Festival President Iris Knobloch and General Delegate Thierry Frémaux, “since Greta Gerwig so audaciously embodies the renewal of world cinema, for which Cannes is each year both the forerunner and the sounding board.”
Gerwig’sBarbieleads in nominations among movies at theupcoming Golden GlobesandCritics Choice Awards.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to begin May 14. The jury’s awards, including the Palme d’Or, will be announced at its closing ceremony on May 25.
source: people.com
